Game-Based Learning: What Options Are There and What's Good About Each?

Contents:

• Types of game-based learning
• Genre features

Types of game-based training

The interactive nature of games leads to a blurring of the lines between different types of tutorials. Modern projects increasingly employ a hybrid approach, where mechanics are explained through NPC dialogue, interface hints, and in-game encyclopedias. Developers strive to maintain player rhythm and immersion by combining various learning methods so that it doesn't slow down gameplay but rather becomes a natural part of it. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of game mechanics and improves the overall player experience, making learning engaging and organic.

In story-driven games, maintaining the integrity of a character's character is especially important. If the player controls a character who logically already possesses all the necessary skills, having to teach them basic actions like shooting or jumping can break the player's immersion in the story. This phenomenon is called narrative dissonance, where game mechanics contradict story elements. Some studios address this issue by stylistic separation of the tutorial from the main game. For example, in Max Payne, the tutorial takes place in a separate section, which helps maintain the integrity of the character while simultaneously providing the player with all the necessary skills for a successful start. This approach promotes a better understanding of the story and allows players to become more immersed in the game's atmosphere.

Each game genre has its own specific requirements for player training. Methods that work well in one game may be ineffective in another. This depends on the target audience, the pace of gameplay, and even the visual style. For example, approaches used in puzzles may not work in fast-paced shooters. That's why modern games often combine different learning methods. They use visual cues, dialogue with non-player characters (NPCs), in-game encyclopedias, interactive quests, and story-driven cutscenes. These elements not only help the player master the game mechanics, but also simultaneously develop the narrative, creating a deeper and more engaging gaming experience.

One of the most traditional methods of training players is through instruction. This can be compared to tabletop role-playing games, where familiarization with the "Rulebook" is recommended before beginning an adventure. However, modern games rarely rely solely on this method. This is because not all players are willing to spend time reading long and detailed manuals before diving into gameplay. It is important to keep in mind that interactive and visual learning elements are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to quickly and effectively master the main mechanics of the game.

Video guides are a modern alternative to traditional instructions. Integrated directly into gameplay, these videos provide players with a visual introduction to the game's mechanics and objectives. Video guides can range from short tutorials demonstrating basic controls to more complex video tutorials that help with advanced mechanics or other complex aspects. For example, such guides might be activated when a player encounters a new enemy type or masters unfamiliar mechanics. Including video guides significantly improves the user experience, allowing players to quickly adapt to the game world and increasing their engagement.

Text guides and video instructions have many advantages that make them indispensable in training and information transfer. Text guides provide clear and consistent steps, allowing users to easily follow instructions. They are convenient for quickly finding the necessary information, which is especially useful when there is a specific task to solve. In addition, text materials can be used anytime and anywhere, which provides flexibility in training.

On the other hand, video instructions offer a visual perception, which helps better understand complex processes. They demonstrate actions in real time, which greatly simplifies the perception of information. Video can show details that are difficult to describe in words, making training more effective.

The combination of text guides and video instructions creates an ideal solution for users, allowing them to choose the format that is most convenient for them. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the material and improves the overall effectiveness of training.

• Ease of development: creating guides allows developers to avoid the need to integrate complex training systems directly into the game, which saves resources and time.
• Absence of ludo-narrative dissonance: external instructions do not affect the perception of the game world and character roles, the integrity of the narrative and the image of the hero.
• Accessibility: text instructions and video guides can be accessed outside of the gameplay, which allows you to quickly find an answer to a question that arises without being distracted from the main gameplay.
• Depth of explanations: such materials can offer detailed and comprehensive explanations of mechanics, lore, and strategies.

Drawbacks can significantly impact the perception of a product or service. The main drawbacks include low quality, high price, lack of functionality, insufficient user support, and a poor brand reputation. These factors can lead to a decrease in customer trust and demand. When choosing a product or service, it's important to consider these drawbacks to avoid disappointment and loss. By analyzing the drawbacks, you can make a more informed decision and choose the most suitable option.

• Isolation: Instructions placed outside the game can be perceived as secondary and unnecessary, not fitting into the overall experience.
• Bullet: Too much information can be daunting and overwhelming.

In-game encyclopedias are an important element of text-based tutorials that significantly enrich the player experience, especially in games with a rich world and complex mythology. Creating such an encyclopedia not only deepens understanding of the game's lore but also serves as a useful resource for learning. It can outline game mechanics and strategies, such as effective ways to combat different types of enemies. This makes in-game encyclopedias an indispensable tool for players who want to make the most of their skills and knowledge in the gameplay.

The advantages of this approach are that each person can independently choose the information to study and do it at their own pace, without having to adapt to predetermined difficulty levels. While text instructions and video guides are not always optimal learning tools, they are a valuable supplement to more interactive methods, providing detailed information and in-depth understanding for those who are eager to understand the details. This flexible approach to learning promotes more effective assimilation of material and increases motivation to learn.

One of the most effective methods of supporting players is interface hints. This approach is based on contextual learning and provides relevant information at the moment the player interacts with a specific mechanic or element of the game. UI hints are universal and can be used in games of various genres, which makes them a valuable tool for developers. Properly implemented hints help improve the gaming experience, increasing engagement and reducing frustration among users.

UI hints play an important role in gameplay, directing the player's attention to key interface elements and explaining their functions. These hints are effective by highlighting important areas on the screen, using tooltips that appear when hovering over them, or in response to certain game events. Animated arrows pointing to important buttons and short text explanations that temporarily appear next to necessary elements are also used. Proper use of UI hints improves the user experience and allows players to quickly adapt to the game interface.

Interface hints offer a number of significant benefits that contribute to improving the user experience. First, they help users quickly navigate the interface by providing the necessary information at the right moment. Second, interface hints help reduce stress and uncertainty, as users can easily find answers to their questions without having to search for them themselves. Third, such hints can significantly speed up the learning process for new features and tools, which is especially important for complex applications. Furthermore, interface hints improve user interaction with the product, increasing user satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat use. As a result, implementing interface cues is an effective strategy for increasing the effectiveness and appeal of digital products.

• Unobtrusiveness: information is presented only when it is truly necessary, without distracting from the main process.
• Context: learning occurs directly during interaction with interface elements, which promotes better absorption and memorization.
• Visibility: highlighting important parts of the interface and using animation help quickly navigate and understand exactly what needs to be done.

The disadvantages of this product can significantly affect its perception by users. Firstly, it is worth noting possible quality issues. Some users report insufficient reliability and durability. Secondly, the high price may be a barrier for many potential customers, especially if more affordable alternatives exist. A third disadvantage is limited functionality, which may not meet the needs of all users. Finally, difficulties with maintenance or lack of support can also cause dissatisfaction. These factors should be considered when choosing this product.

• Limited Information: Due to limited screen space, hints are usually brief, which may not be enough to fully understand complex mechanics.
• Risk of Missing: Sometimes players may not notice hints or simply ignore highlighted elements, which reduces their effectiveness.
• Potential Overload: Too many simultaneous hints can lead to confusion and distract attention from important aspects.

Tutorials through the user interface are an effective method of introducing the player to basic controls and key interface elements. Unobtrusive and contextual cues make the learning process smooth and intuitive. This approach provides the player with a confident familiarity with the game world before encountering complex mechanics that require a deeper explanation. The integration of such tutorials contributes to a better user experience and increases engagement.

Tutorials through NPC mentors occupy an important place in game design. This method allows for the organic integration of game mechanics into the story, turning the NPC from a simple source of information into an active guide and teacher. Players gain knowledge through interaction with the character, which makes the learning process more contextual and engaging. This approach not only promotes better information retention but also deepens immersion in the game world, creating a unique experience for each player.

There are several approaches to implementing hints in games. One method involves a mentor providing the player with tasks, explaining the process in detail and explaining mechanics and controls. Another option is to use an NPC as a companion, accompanying the player and demonstrating how to perform the necessary actions. This approach improves the perception of the game and facilitates the learning process for beginners.

Learning with an NPC mentor has many benefits. Firstly, this approach allows for individual attention and support, which promotes a deeper understanding of the material. NPC mentors can adapt teaching methods depending on the student's knowledge level and needs, making the process more effective.

Furthermore, interacting with an NPC mentor develops communication and critical thinking skills. Students can ask questions, receive feedback, and discuss complex topics, which improves information absorption.

It is also important to note that learning with an NPC mentor helps build motivation and increase interest in the process. Mentors can inspire students to reach new heights and overcome challenges.

In summary, NPC mentor-based training is an effective way to acquire new knowledge and skills that combines personalization, flexibility, and support.

• Immersion and Engagement: Tutorials are seamlessly woven into the game's story and world, enhancing the player's sense of presence and involvement.
• Relevance: Information is provided at the right moment when the player needs to use a certain skill or understand a certain mechanic.
• Easy Retention: Learning through character interaction is often more memorable due to the emotional connection and narrative context.
• Motivation: Tasks and assignments from a mentor can motivate exploration and mastery of new aspects of the game.

Weaknesses are an important aspect to consider when making decisions. They can vary depending on the specific situation or product. It is important to understand that weaknesses can impact functionality, effectiveness, and overall appeal. For example, disadvantages may include high cost, difficulty of use, limited features, or low reliability. By considering these factors, consumers can be more conscious about choosing and evaluating different options. Analyzing disadvantages can help avoid disappointment and choose the most appropriate solution.

• Potentially intrusive: Excessive hints or overly detailed explanations can be annoying.
• Slowing down the pace: Lengthy dialogue or mandatory tutorial missions with NPCs can slow down the pace of the game, especially for experienced players.
• Reliance on the quality of the script and voice acting: Poorly written dialogue or dull voice acting can reduce the effectiveness of the tutorial and spoil the impression of the character.

Proper implementation of training through an NPC mentor significantly enriches the gaming experience, turning it into an integral part of the plot, and not an imposed component. It's important to strike a balance between providing the player with essential information and maintaining the game's dynamism. A compelling and well-developed mentor character not only helps players master mechanics but also becomes an important part of the narrative. If the player engages with their mentor's advice, it's a sign that the tutorial system is effective and fits harmoniously into the overall context of the game.

Interactive tutorials are a process in which the player learns skills through experience rather than relying on hints. This method ensures the most natural immersion in gameplay. It is typically implemented in the form of safe levels or starting missions where the risk of serious failure is minimal. The player finds themselves in a training ground integrated into the full game world, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of game mechanics and increases overall engagement.

A key feature of the gameplay is instant feedback. In the event of failure, the character is instantly returned to the starting point, allowing them to try again without losing any progress. These mechanics encourage courage, experimentation, and mistakes, allowing players to freely explore the game's mechanics without fear of failure. This is how a deep understanding of game processes and strategies is formed.

Interactive learning offers many benefits that make it effective and attractive to students. First, it promotes active student engagement in the learning process. Through interactive methods such as group discussions, role-playing games, and educational technology, students become more interested in the material.

Second, interactive learning improves information retention. When students are actively involved in the process, they better absorb and remember the material being studied. This is due to the fact that interactive methods engage different channels of perception, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the topics.

Furthermore, interactive learning develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn to analyze information, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions. This is especially important in today's world, where critical thinking skills are essential for career success.

It's also worth noting that interactive learning promotes social interaction. By working in groups, students learn to collaborate, discuss ideas, and respect others' opinions, which helps build team spirit and leadership skills.

Finally, interactive learning formats can be adapted to different learning styles, making them accessible to a wider range of students. Thus, the benefits of interactive learning include increased engagement, improved information retention, and the development of critical thinking and social skills.

• Fast and lasting memorization: if a player acts immediately rather than simply reads or listens, information is absorbed better and lasts longer.
• Increased engagement: practice instead of theory makes learning part of the gaming experience, rather than something external. The player remains immersed in the gameplay and maintains interest.
• Quick feedback: the player is able to immediately apply newly acquired information, increasing its significance and relevance.
• Direct experience: mechanics are literally practiced—muscle memory works instead of explanations. This is especially important for action games, platformers, and other genres where rhythm and reaction are critical.

Disadvantages can significantly influence the choice of a product or service. First of all, it is worth noting that disadvantages may include high cost, which makes the product less accessible to a wide range of consumers. Quality issues are also possible, which may manifest themselves in poor reliability or frequent breakdowns. An additional disadvantage may be the lack of technical support, which makes it difficult to resolve any issues that arise. Finally, limited functionality may make the product less attractive to users looking for more advanced features. Considering all these aspects, it is important to carefully analyze the disadvantages before making a purchase decision.

• High development costs: to design such a tutorial means to design a full-fledged level or gameplay situation. This requires time, resources, and close collaboration between designers and writers.
• Risk of losing the main pacing: if the tutorial is poorly connected to the rest of the game, it can feel like an unnatural insertion, slowing down gameplay.
• Excessive linearity: if the tutorial does not leave the player with choice and freedom of action, it risks becoming boring and turning into a step-by-step instruction.

Interactive tutorials are one of the most effective tools in a game designer's arsenal. They not only introduce players to core mechanics but also allow them to explore the game through action and experimentation. This approach makes the learning process an integral part of the gaming experience, significantly increasing engagement and interest in the game. Interactive tutorials foster a deep understanding of game elements, making them an essential aspect of modern video game development.

Rapid feedback allows the player to quickly master game systems and feel confident in a new world. It is important not to overload the player with information or take the tutorial out of context. For tutorials to be effective, they must be integrated into the core gameplay, maintaining momentum and providing opportunities for independent exploration. This approach promotes a better understanding of game mechanics and increases overall engagement.

Effective tutorials in games often happen unnoticed by the player. An organic tutorial is a method of integrating tutorials into game mechanics, eliminating pop-ups and direct instructions. Players gradually encounter new gameplay elements and learn to use them, which helps maintain an engaging and logical gameplay. This approach promotes deeper assimilation of mechanics and makes learning a natural part of the gaming experience.

This approach helps maintain an optimal learning pace, prevents overload, and makes the learning process more natural. Players independently acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, which is a key aspect in game design focused on engagement and providing freedom of choice.

The gradual introduction of game mechanics is aimed at creating a smooth immersion into the gameplay. Initially, players are provided with basic actions and concepts, which avoids unnecessary information. As experience is gained, the game gradually introduces new elements, expanding horizons and deepening interaction with the mechanics. This method lowers the entry barrier, provides time for adaptation, and makes learning a natural part of the gaming experience, which contributes to deeper immersion and better mastery of the game.

The benefits of introducing game mechanics into various areas of activity significantly increase user engagement and interest. The use of gamification helps create a more engaging and interactive experience, which contributes to increased motivation and improved performance.

Adding game elements not only attracts a new audience but also retains existing customers by offering them unique and memorable interactions. This also helps build loyalty and strengthen brand ties.

Furthermore, mechanics can be adapted to specific business tasks, making them a universal tool for improving work efficiency. Implementing such solutions can lead to increased conversion and sales, as users are more likely to return to products or services that evoke positive emotions and interest in them.

Therefore, adding game mechanics is a strategic move that not only enriches the user experience, but also contributes to the achievement of business goals.

• Intuitiveness: training is built into the gameplay itself and is perceived as a natural part of the passage, and not as a separate mandatory step.
• Learning by doing: mechanics are mastered in action - through consistent experience, and not through abstract explanations or text blocks.
• Smooth difficulty: the game gradually increases the pace and intensity - without abrupt jumps, which helps maintain a balance between complexity and accessibility.
• The element of discovery: new possibilities are revealed as you progress, giving the player a sense of progress and involvement through their own discoveries.

Disadvantages are an important aspect that should be considered in any context. They can relate to both products and services, as well as various processes and solutions. Key drawbacks can include low quality, high cost, limited functionality, insufficient support, or difficulty in use. It's important to carefully analyze all the downsides to make an informed choice and minimize potential risks. A detailed understanding of the shortcomings not only helps improve current offerings but also creates more competitive and attractive options in the future.

• Not always enough for complex systems: if a game has multi-layered or non-standard mechanics, organic learning may not be enough—the player will still have to resort to more explicit forms of explanation.
• Slow start: introducing mechanics too carefully can prolong the initial stage and discourage more experienced players who want to get to the action faster.
• Challenging to implement: this approach requires fine-tuning progression and a well-thought-out level structure—so that everything new appears at the right moment and does not break the rhythm.

The gradual introduction of game mechanics is one of the most effective learning methods. Instead of giving the player direct instructions, the system encourages them to explore and master the mechanics step by step. This approach allows the player to immerse themselves in the gameplay, learning it through practice and within the framework of the created experience. This not only makes learning more natural, but also promotes a deep understanding of the game elements and their interactions.

This approach promotes a deep understanding of the game's logic and facilitates the acquisition of new features. While it may not always be appropriate for complex or non-standard mechanics, in most cases it serves as an invisible tutorial. This method doesn't distract players from the gameplay, but gently guides them and maintains their interest throughout the game.

Game developers are increasingly striving for maximum immersion and harmony in gameplay, choosing diegetic or embedded tutorials. This approach allows players to learn about the game's rules, mechanics, and features directly through elements of the game world and the story. Instead of traditional external prompts and instructions, tutorials become an organic part of the virtual reality. This method promotes more intuitive gameplay, seamlessly integrating into the narrative and increasing player engagement. As a result, diegetic tutorials not only improve the user experience but also create a deeper connection between the player and the game world.

Diegetic tutorials use in-game elements as a means of knowledge transfer. Players don't simply receive information; they discover it through interacting with game world objects, reading in-game text, listening to character dialogue, and observing events. This approach allows for the seamless integration of learning into the gaming environment, making it as engaging as the gameplay itself. This creates deeper engagement and promotes better absorption of information, which in turn improves the overall quality of the gaming experience.

This type of tutorial includes in-game texts and documents, such as notes, books, journals, and computer logs. These materials contain information about game mechanics, the history of the game world, item characteristics, and tactical tips, allowing players to learn by exploring the game environment. NPCs are an important element of the tutorial, as players can observe their behavior in combat and interact with the environment. This creates an opportunity for deep immersion in the gameplay and promotes the development of the skills necessary for successful completion of the game.

Objects in the game world can be an effective learning tool. For example, interacting with a malfunctioning mechanism or an unusual item allows the player to understand the functional limitations and capabilities of these objects. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of gameplay and the development of problem-solving skills.

Dialogue and briefings are key to gameplay, allowing characters to share information about mission objectives, enemy characteristics, and the mechanics of various devices. These elements deepen player engagement with the story and help improve understanding of the game environment. Furthermore, visual cues, such as level architecture and object placement, play a vital role in navigating the game world. They help guide the player and suggest correct actions, significantly facilitating the process of mastering the game. Thus, the effective use of dialogue and visual cues contributes to a more interactive and engaging gaming experience.

Built-in training offers numerous advantages that make it an effective tool for skill development and employee upskilling. One of the main advantages is the ability to learn on the job, allowing players to immediately apply acquired knowledge. This promotes better information absorption and improves productivity.

Furthermore, embedded training is tailored to the specific needs of the company and employees, making it more relevant and targeted. This approach reduces training time and costs, as employees do not leave the workplace for long periods.

Another important aspect of embedded training is the creation of a culture of continuous learning within the organization. This helps increase employee motivation, improve their engagement, and reduce turnover. When employees see that the company is investing in their development, they become more committed and loyal.

As a result, integrated learning not only improves performance but also drives innovation and overall company growth.

• Seamless immersion: information is embedded directly into the game world, making the learning process as natural as possible.
• Natural pace: the player discovers the rules of the world on their own. This creates a sense of personal discovery and makes the acquired knowledge more meaningful.
• Exploration is encouraged: notes, dialogue, NPC behavior, or level design all become excuses to look around carefully, listen closely, and notice details.
• Context promotes memory: the player doesn't just remember a button—they remember why and how it was useful.

Flaws can significantly impact the perception of a product or service. For example, common flaws include poor quality materials, inefficient operation, high price, or insufficient customer support. These aspects can reduce user satisfaction and lead to negative reviews. To minimize the impact of flaws, it's important to conduct regular research and analysis, as well as actively work to improve quality and service. Transparency about flaws and a willingness to fix them can increase customer trust and strengthen the company's reputation.

• Information is easily lost: If a player misses a necessary object or hint, they risk being left without important knowledge.
• Not suitable for everything: Some mechanics are too complex or abstract to be explained through notes or level architecture. Sometimes, explicit, straightforward instructions are needed.
• Challenging to implement: For this approach to truly work, it requires careful thought. This requires deep interaction between narrative, level design, and game logic.
• The risk of fragmentation: if in-game information is not systematized and scattered randomly throughout the world, the player may perceive it as a set of random facts rather than a coherent system.

Diegetic learning is a method in which gameplay includes elements that encourage exploration and learning. This approach is especially effective when the game design encourages active interaction and attentive observation. When all components are implemented correctly, learning ceases to be a separate task and becomes an integral part of the gaming experience. Players learn not under pressure, but through their own curiosity and desires. This is one of the most organic forms of training in video games, allowing players to delve deeper into the game world, master mechanics, and develop skills through engaging exploration.

Genre Features

The question of how to effectively train players does not have a single solution. Each game requires a unique combination of training elements, which largely depends on the genre and concept of the project. In some games, players can quickly master controls and mechanics without any instructions, while others require detailed lessons and hints for full understanding. In some cases, training becomes not just an additional element, but a key aspect of the game, as demonstrated in Portal, where every action and step of the player becomes part of the learning process. The right approach to tutorials can significantly increase engagement and enjoyment of a game, making it an essential aspect of development.

Many platformers avoid the use of tutorial screens. Instead of pop-up hints or NPC mentors, players are given the opportunity to dive right into the game. The first levels often serve as a hidden tutorial, allowing players to gradually master the basic mechanics and explore the character's abilities through direct interaction with the game world. This approach promotes a more natural learning experience and makes the gameplay more engaging, as players learn by doing.

Inside lacks explicit instructions or directions, but the game mechanics are organized in such a way that the player intuitively masters basic elements: movement, cover, jumping, and interacting with the environment. This approach to learning through design creates a unique experience, where each obstacle acts as a small puzzle, allowing the player to master new mechanics and abilities. The gameplay is permeated with an atmosphere of mystery and tension, which makes each new task exciting and forces you to explore the world around you.

Virtual reality games represent a unique field in which tutorials play a critical role. Research demonstrates that the absence of tutorials in VR games can lead to player discomfort, including frequent complaints of motion sickness and nausea. Importantly, not only the presence of tutorials but also their form impacts gameplay. Context-sensitive tutorials that are integrated into gameplay and appear as needed produce the best results. Such approaches promote a smoother learning experience, increase engagement, create a sense of presence, and motivate players to explore the virtual world. Therefore, properly implementing tutorials in VR games can significantly improve the overall experience and player comfort.

Tutorials in Metroidvanias occur naturally and are integrated into gameplay. Unlike many other genres, where learning is presented in a separate tutorial, in Metroidvanias, players master mechanics as they explore the world. They initially learn basic abilities, such as jumping or shooting, and then, as they explore the environment, unlock new abilities that allow them to access previously inaccessible areas of the level. This approach fosters deep immersion and makes the process of mastering mechanics more engaging and organic.

A key aspect of learning mechanics in games is the gradual introduction of new skills that become available as they progress. Many Metroidvania games effectively use hidden elements to teach the player, including hints on how to use new abilities. These can include visual cues, such as the changing color of objects that can only be destroyed by a certain ability. This approach not only improves understanding of the game mechanics, but also promotes deeper interaction with the game world.

In his video about learning in complex games, Mark Brown emphasizes that games don't always have to start with a traditional tutorial. Instead, a gradual learning curve, as demonstrated by the Civilization and Frostpunk series, is an effective approach. In these games, players uncover the map, allowing them to gradually master new details and mechanics. This learning method helps avoid information overload and creates a more comfortable environment for mastering the gameplay. This makes the gaming experience more engaging and promotes a better understanding of the game.

Regardless of the game genre, there are a number of recommendations that can help improve the effectiveness of learning. Optimizing the learning process in a game can significantly improve the player's experience and accelerate the mastery of game mechanics. It is important to pay attention to basic aspects such as controls, interaction with the environment, and the use of game resources. Regular practice and analysis of your own mistakes will help develop skills faster. It is also useful to study the strategies of other players and apply them to your own game. Don't forget about feedback, which allows you to identify weaknesses and work on improving them.

• Practice: The player will learn to effectively use game mechanics and experiment with them if they are given the freedom to use them.
• Measured information: The player can be confused (if not repulsed) by a large amount of information. Detailed instructions, although exhaustive, are difficult to remember and require some effort to master.
• Feedback: it is important for the player to understand their progress, and if they make a mistake, the punishment should not be critical.
• Absence of ludo-narrative dissonance: any training will be much better if it is justified by the plot.

Good tutorials in games aren't just about providing hints; they're about creating an environment that fosters discovery. The player should feel like they're figuring out solutions and understanding the game's mechanics, even if the designer has carefully crafted their path. This approach makes the learning process not only effective but also interesting, which promotes deeper engagement in the gameplay and improves the overall player experience.